Students practice with their instruments at Nyack High School. Nyack has preserved their performing arts programs while other school districts, including East Ramapo School District have cut such programs....

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Students practice with their instruments at Nyack High School. Nyack has preserved their performing arts programs while other school districts, including East Ramapo School District have cut such programs.

Pianist Brianna Brickman, 17, of Nyack plays with the jazz band at Nyack High School. Instructor Mike Smith plays the trumpet in the background. (March 21, 2013)

(Credit: Angela Gaul)

Pianist Brianna Brickman, 17, bottom right, of Nyack plays with the jazz band at Nyack High School. Instructor Mike Smith plays the trumpet in the background. (March 21, 2013)

(Credit: Angela Gaul)

Percussionist Anders Fleming, 18, of Nyack plays with the jazz band at Nyack High School. (March 21, 2013)

(Credit: Angela Gaul)

Band director Mike Smith, left, explains the nuances of a particularly difficult section of Duke Ellington's piece "Mood Indigo" as he works with the jazz band at Nyack High School. Trumpet players Jonathan Rizner, 17, center, of Nyack , and Michael Buonocore, 18, of Valley Cottage are also pictured. (March 21, 2013)